“New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach
The new year came in without all that much fanfare and wild celebration; rather, it was much more subdued, much more conversational, much more reflective, and just what Michael and I needed.
Going into 2018 I knew that the days of my week would look quite different than I was accustomed to them looking, especially these early days which would be filled with a lot of learning and getting “grooved in”, as well as organizing and preparing for my next chapter.
And while I allowed myself a slow and gentle glide into day one of the new year, one last day to steep in a final moment of holiday haze, I knew that I longed to hit the ground running come day two, and to usher in, along with this new year, a new way of doing things, a new way of being, a new way of approaching life.
I longed to up my game in the upcoming year, to expect more of myself, and to go beyond what I had previously been comfortable with and into a new zone that would become my new “norm”.
I knew on a deep, intuitive level that 2018 would be a turning point year for me in many ways, and that it would require a sharp consciousness. There wouldn't be room for anything “willy nilly” nor for anything less than my all, if it were to be as abundant a year as I knew that it could potentially be.
And I wanted to make sure that I treated it that way, and gave it the presence of mind and respect that it not only deserved, but required.
As silly as it may sound, I feel new connections happening within my brain, and find myself going into my day much more at peace, with much more joy, enthusiasm, optimism, and alertness than I have in the past.
So as 2017 came to a close, I made some new agreements with myself, laid out some new ways of doing things; I also made the decision to get rid of some old habits that weren't really working, all of this in an attempt to create a few “posts” that I could lean on and use as references for myself going forward.
I made the agreement with myself that I would work on one page of my book each and every day; and that in order to do that along with the other things that would be on my daily “to-do” list, I would rise while the house was quiet, while it was still a bit dark outside and I still felt a bit bleary and vulnerable—open and porous—in order to have the time needed to contemplate.
I knew if I did this, I would have 365 pages come January 1 of 2019, and that sounded like a good plan to ensure some success in the work getting done on this personal project that was so important to me.
And then there was the elimination of some old habits as well...
For as long as I can remember, I have always flipped on the morning news as I woke up and had my coffee. But I decided that the TV would now remain off so that there could be peace and a much more gentle energy in the house in that vulnerable morning time to set the pace for the rest of my day.
So the TV has been silenced.
I also no longer check my phone first thing in the morning, no longer check my notifications for email, or any social media, etc. until after I prepare and enjoy my coffee (which, incidentally, doesn't come until after my writing).
And since I've always enjoyed morning walks, I continue to keep that habit and enjoy it for the much needed blood flow and boost in energy levels.
So here's a little rundown of what my mornings look like now, just to share them with you:
- Rise at 6:30am
- Have a glass of lemon water
- Light my candle
- Grab my laptop and sit down at the table to write
After writing, I make my French press coffee and sit in silence, in prayer, in reflection, and in meditation while I enjoy that hot, comforting cup of bliss.
Then I check notifications and emails, and get ready to go out for my walk.
When I come back, I get washed up, then get to work on The Cozy Apron in whatever capacity is needed. Right now, that work encompasses studying the tutorials my amazing and brilliant husband Michael recorded and prepared for me on photo editing and WordPress, as well as beginning my familiarization with the camera, etc..
And let me just share with you that all of this feels both exhilarating and a little “out of body”.
The adjustments and changes—these new ways of doing things, new rituals—make me feel a bit like a different person, but in a good way.
It's the good, healthy stuff that I'm looking for now, the stuff that will help new connections to be made, new epiphanies to bubble up, more creativity to flow...
As silly as it may sound, I feel new connections happening within my brain, and find myself going into my day much more at peace, with much more joy, enthusiasm, optimism, and alertness than I have in the past.
It's interesting what a bit more purposeful quiet time and reflection can do for the spirit.
I feel “lighter”, cleaner, clearer, sharper, yet also so much more vulnerable! And I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.
I like this new start to my day, this new “me”, and all of the new requirements that are now there for me to engage with.
I'm definitely feeling myself become more in touch with my thoughts and my creativity, more aware, in general.
I share all of this with you that in the event you yourself are considering some shifts and changes to your old patterns and ways of doing things in this brand new year, you should know that it can be incredibly invigorating, and I cannot recommend it enough!
This exercise has helped me to realize just how much I used certain things as distractions, all the while being completely oblivious to the fact that that's what they were.
There's something to changing things up for one's self, and in creating new rituals that provide more sanity, more life-giving energy, more sustenance, more richness, more meaning, and more quieting of the mind, which allows for more guidance for the soul to be received. And my goodness, I need that so desperately, especially right now.
It's a bit like choosing to eat healthy, whole foods, the ones that provide important nutrients that actually aid the body in feeling its best, instead of taking in nutritionally empty foods that actually end up depleting one's inner resources.
It's the good, healthy stuff that I'm looking for now, the stuff that will help new connections to be made, new epiphanies to bubble up, more creativity to flow, and a deeper level of participation in life to occur.
And really, that's what any of this is all about for me.
So this is where I find myself now, in these first several weeks of this new year. These are the slight shifts that have created a change for the better in my life, so far.
And I'm hoping that in sharing them with you, you may be encouraged and inspired to perhaps try something new for yourself this year, decide to give yourself a bit more opportunity to hear your own voice, and perhaps the voice of your Creator offering guidance lovingly created just for you.
Here's to becoming better versions of ourselves.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing 'from the heart' with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Martha
If we do anything but spending time with the Lord each day, then we are lost. Silence is golden, isn't it? I love your changes and hope for goodness, love, and joy for you and yours, Ingrid.
I truly enjoy your blog and recipes, and always look forward to receiving them. I thank you for sharing!
The Cozy Apron
Thank you for such a precious and kind comment, Martha. I am so very grateful for your readership, and it touches me so very much to know that you are moved by what we share here on our site. I appreciate your well-wishes, and so very much look forward to sharing my recipes and personal posts with you in this new year!
Deborah Behney
Happy New Year to you! Thank you so much for this uplifting post.
You truly are a blessing.
The Cozy Apron
Hi sweet Deborah, happy new year to you, too! It's a treat to hear from you, and as always, thanks for sharing your sweetness and your love. Here's to starting off this new year with a bang, my friend!